PUNE: Embracing the holiday spirit, The Orchid Hotel Pune recently hosted a joyful pre-Christmas celebration for children from SAMPARC, an NGO dedicated to supporting underprivileged children across India. SAMPARC provides essential resources, including shelter, education, and skill development, empowering these children to build pathways toward brighter futures. The partnership between Kamat Hotels and SAMPARC highlighted a shared commitment to community and care, reinforcing the importance of creating spaces where joy and opportunity go hand in hand.
The day’s events included a fun-filled afternoon with interactive sessions and games by the staff with the SAMPARC children, followed by The Orchid Hotel Pune’s annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, bringing together community, tradition, and joyful memories.
The event was a blend of tradition and fun, creating an unforgettable experience for the children. Santa Claus made a special appearance, bringing smiles and adding magic to the afternoon. The young attendees participated in various games, danced with joy, and showcased their creativity by decorating cupcakes, later savoring their delicious creations. Each child received a gift hamper, a token of the season’s warmth and joy, marking a special moment in their day.
As the day transitioned into the evening, the much-anticipated cake-mixing ceremony began, a time-honored tradition symbolizing the spirit of Christmas. Esteemed guests, including renowned cake artist Prachi Dhabal Deb, joined the celebration. Famous for her intricate cake designs and recognized for her achievements in cake artistry worldwide, Prachi added a touch of glamour and creativity to the event. The ceremony concluded with children and guests mixing an array of ingredients, including dried fruits and spices, preparing the mixture for the Christmas cake to be baked during Yuletide.
“It was a true pleasure to celebrate this special tradition with these wonderful children. Watching their joy and enthusiasm reminded us of the essence of the season—togetherness, kindness, and the simple joys that make Christmas unforgettable,” shared Soumitra Kundu, Deputy General Manager, The Orchid Hotel Pune.
“We are truly grateful to The Orchid Hotel for this invaluable opportunity,” said Navnita Chatterjee, Senior Program Advisor at SAMPARC. “This experience has opened new doors for our children, offering them a glimpse into a world of possibilities they never thought possible. Through the guidance and support of The Orchid team, they’ve gained not just insight into the hospitality industry, but also the confidence to dream bigger. This partnership is a beacon of hope, helping to shape their futures and empower them to become the change-makers of tomorrow.”
